Piastri Reveals McLaren Ruled Out Team Orders in Title Fight
McLaren has decided against implementing team orders to favor Lando Norris in the F1 title fight, despite Max Verstappen now being level on points with Oscar Piastri after both McLaren drivers were disqualified in Las Vegas. Piastri confirms the "very brief discussion" concluded with no team orders, believing he still has a shot at the title. This sets the stage for a tense internal battle and a three-way championship showdown in the final two rounds.
Oscar Piastri has confirmed that McLaren held a "very brief discussion" regarding the implementation of team orders in the title fight, but ultimately decided against it. This comes after both McLaren drivers, Piastri and Lando Norris, were disqualified from the Las Vegas Grand Prix, significantly impacting the championship standings.
Why it matters:
McLaren's decision to forgo team orders signals their commitment to allowing both drivers to compete freely for the championship, despite Max Verstappen drawing level on points with Piastri. This strategy could lead to an intense intra-team battle, but also risks valuable points being taken from each other, potentially aiding Verstappen's charge. It underscores McLaren's belief in fair competition within the team, even when a title is on the line.
The details:
- Double Disqualification: Both Piastri and Norris were disqualified from the Las Vegas Grand Prix due to technical infringements, nullifying their strong finishes (fourth for Piastri, second for Norris). This decision maintained a 24-point gap between the two McLaren drivers.
- Verstappen's Surge: Max Verstappen, who secured his sixth win of the season in Las Vegas, has now caught up to Piastri in points. He is also only 24 points behind Norris with just two rounds remaining in the championship.
- Team Order Discussion: When asked if McLaren had considered favoring Norris in the title fight, Piastri stated, "We've had a very brief discussion and the answer is no." He emphasized his own contention for the title, noting he is "still equal on points with Max and got a decent shot of still winning it if things go my way."
- "Net Negative" Impact: Piastri views the Las Vegas disqualification as a "net negative" despite preventing him from losing six points to Norris. He explained, "It also brings Max much closer into the fight. Overall, it's still a net negative. Obviously, just a pretty difficult weekend for the team and a painful ending."
The big picture:
Had the disqualifications not occurred, Norris would have held a more comfortable 30-point lead over Piastri, significantly bolstering his chances for his first title. The nullified results have not only complicated the internal McLaren dynamic but also reignited Verstappen's challenge, turning the final two races into a much more unpredictable three-way battle.
What's next:
With McLaren ruling out team orders, the focus shifts to how Piastri and Norris will manage their on-track rivalry while simultaneously fending off Verstappen. The upcoming races will be crucial in determining whether McLaren's faith in open competition pays off or if it creates an opening for their rival to capitalize. The championship remains wide open, promising a thrilling conclusion to the season.